Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the United States, has characterized his national identity as secondary to his ecclesiastical role in recent remarks. During an interview with NBC at a papal retreat near Rome, he stated that he views himself primarily as the pope who happens to hold American citizenship, rather than as an American who leads the Catholic Church.
The pontiff referenced his family background while discussing his connection to the United States, noting that his grandparents immigrated to America and that his maternal lineage includes individuals who both enslaved and were enslaved. When asked about his attachment to the country, Leo emphasized his appreciation for American principles including freedom, opportunity, and the nation’s historical openness to immigration from around the world. He indicated that his upbringing in the US and two decades spent as a missionary in Peru have shaped his worldview and commitment to these foundational ideals.
Leo has made immigration issues a prominent aspect of his papacy since his election last May. He has publicly criticized the immigration policies of the Trump administration, characterizing them as “inhuman.” The pontiff also delivered remarks on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, in which he commended America’s legacy of welcoming migrants while calling on Americans to uphold the document’s stated principles. Additionally, he marked July 4 with a visit to Lampedusa, a southern Italian island that serves as a major entry point for people crossing the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa.
Tensions between the pontiff and the Trump administration have extended beyond immigration policy. Leo has issued strong condemnation of the US-Israeli military actions against Iran. The vice-president, JD Vance, extended a White House invitation during a Vatican meeting, though Leo indicated to NBC that no visit has been scheduled. The pontiff expressed hope for a future trip to the United States.
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